Stephen Mukwala scored a hat trick to clinch the Man of the Match award as Simba SC defeated Coastal Union 3-0 in the NBC Premier League at a packed Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha.
Simba SC started the match with an aggressive attacking style, leaving Coastal Union struggling to keep pace and control the game. However, Coastal Union’s efforts eventually faltered.
Simba SC opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a precise aerial pass from Godfrey Kameta on the right. Mukwala expertly launched a powerful half-volley into the center of the goal, making the score 1-0.
Right before the halftime whistle, Mukwala struck again, giving Simba fans another reason to celebrate. He scored his second goal after receiving a squared pass from Ellie Mpanzu and powering it home from deep inside the six-yard box.
The stadium erupted with cheers as the red and white supporters chanted, “Ubaya Ubwela! Mukwalaaaa!”
In the second half, after a series of enticing one-two passes near the 18-yard box, Ellie Mpanzu unleashed a shot that the Coastal Union goalkeeper could not stop. Instead, he inadvertently punched the ball into the path of Mukwala, who quickly rebounded it into the roof of the net, completing his hat trick.
Coastal Union attempted to minimize the damage by sitting back and locking passing channels, making it difficult for Simba to find space. Their strategy worked for the remainder of the match, as they managed to avoid conceding any further goals until the final whistle.
As a result of this victory, Simba SC now sits in second place on the table, trailing top-placed Young Africa Sports Club by four points, although Simba has a game in hand.
